inscription “Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness for anyone.” She was used by suffragists as an example of the strength and sacrifice of women in the First World War, the effects of which certainly contributed to women over 30 gaining the vote in 1918 under the Representation of the People Act. Cavell’s life and commemoration clearly demonstrate to me the purpose of a hero that goes beyond actions of sacrifice or bravery. This collection of articles by our budding historians in the Remove both represents a broad range of heroes and considers why heroes are worshipped by particular societies. Oliver Daniel opens by examining the evolution of the hero over time and asks the pertinent question: “What has become of the hero?” He concludes that our modern day heroes do not necessarily share the noble characteristics of their predecessors, which in turn suggests that the moral values of our society are in decline. Nik Nicheperovich delves into the life of his hero, Cicero, and explains how he was seen as
The Edith Cavell memorial, St. Martin’s Place.
more of a villain during his own lifetime. William Beddows discusses the achievements of a local and national hero, William Wilberforce, whose campaign to bring an end to the slave trade helped garner support for the cause and undeniably had an impact worldwide. Max Leslie considers his hero, a man who still lives and whose life embodies both the strength of a great sporting hero and the determination of a man facing racial prejudice in segregated America: Muhammad Ali. Darshan Chohan argues his case for the late Margaret Thatcher as a saviour of Britain, recognising the fact that she is a figure who still ‘divides a nation’, as recent events surrounding her death brought into sharp relief. Saul Sorooshian, being the proud Scot he is, focuses on Scottish heroes and considers why the Scottish feel the need to worship such gloriously doomed men. Ned Tidmarsh, in contrast, investigates which characteristics make the peculiarly British hero, considering figures such as Churchill, whose flaws are what make him so loved by the British. This edition ends with a valedictory piece by our Head of History, in his final year at the College. Mr. Edge charts the decline of the imperial hero, offering personal insight into British India’s legacy. Mr. Edge has presided over a fantastic year for the History Society, during which we have been honoured to host seminars by eminent historians including Dr. Nicholas Lambert, who gave an insightful lecture on the outbreak of the First World War, Professor Orlando Figes, who spoke to over one hundred Dulwich boys and JAGS girls on Late Tsarism and Communism in Russia and Professor Alan Macfarlane, Professor Emeritus of King’s College, Cambridge, who explained what he had learned from studying English witchcraft to a rapt audience. The History Society also heard from its very own Dr. Pyke on his recent adventures in Moldova and from Chris McKeon, OA, who was keen to return to the sanctuary of the Masters’ Library to address the History Society on his studies of African history. The year drew to a close with the History Society combining forces with the Politics Society in welcoming Lord Hennessy to the Master’s Library to address a packed audience of Dulwich and JAGS students. He reflected upon his observations of recent Prime Ministers, including amusing anecdotes on John Major’s socks. All in all, an intellectually rigorous and stimulating year, which now ends with well earned rest and relaxation at Founder’s Day and in the coming summer. Enjoy! Miss V Trevelyan June 2013
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